Pune: Hinjewadi Traffic Grinds To A Halt Again: School’s Poor Traffic Planning Triggers 3.5-Hour Gridlock, Police Step In
Pune: Hinjewadi Traffic Grinds To A Halt Again: School’s Poor Traffic Planning Triggers 3.5-Hour Gridlock, Police Step In
Pune, December 13, 2025: A severe traffic jam on Friday evening, lasting several hours on roads leading from the Hinjewadi IT Park, has prompted traffic police to issue a formal directive to a private school in Wakad’s Vinodnagar area. The congestion was attributed to the school’s dispersal of students following a field trip during peak evening hours.
Traffic officials stated that the school’s release of a large number of vehicles coincided with the usual Friday evening rush, creating a gridlock that affected thousands of IT commuters and residents. The jam stretched from Bhumkar Chowk to Kasturi Chowk and beyond.
Police Take Action, Seek Prior Information
Senior Police Inspector Bapu Dhere of the Wakad Traffic Division investigated the incident. He stated that the school, which has students from nursery to 8th standard, had dismissed children from a trip without notifying traffic authorities.
“Friday already sees heavy traffic flow. The school’s dispersal happened right at that peak time, slowing everything down further,” said PI Dhere. “We have advised the school management that for any future events or trips, they must inform us in advance. This will allow us to plan and manage traffic accordingly. We have instructed them to formally submit a written application at the police station for such events.”
PI Dhere acknowledged the challenges, noting the large number of parents picking up young children and the constant evening congestion in the zone.
Residents Highlight Recurring Issue
The incident has amplified long-standing complaints from local residents and the Wakad-Pimpri-Chinchwad Residents Development & Welfare Association about traffic issues related to the school, located on a narrow road. The association had formally raised a complaint with the traffic police branch.
“We have received the complaint. This is a persistent issue. We are drafting a letter to the school management and will take further action as needed based on instructions from senior officials,” PI Dhere added, confirming the police are treating the matter seriously.
Attempts to reach the school principal for comment were unsuccessful.
The event underscores the critical need for coordinated planning between major institutions and traffic authorities in densely populated and high-traffic areas to prevent widespread disruption.
